Depression and Anxiety at an older age
I am a 70 year old woman who has had depression and anxiety for a long time. It got worse 3 years ago when my husband lost one of his jobs. I panicked and my anxiety increased. I was afraid to do things. like driving. I have arthritis pretty bad and foot problems. I'm a Christian and my faith has helped me. My husband was a pastor and our church closed 3 months ago. We've had continual stress. Sometimes I don't know what to do with myself during the day. I've gotten help from several doctors, including a psychiatrist. I also have IBS. I am better. I'm taking trazadone duloxetine, remeron and xanax. Also on osteo biflex, probiotic , bentyl and celebrex. I want to get on Sam e but it may interact with one of my meds. Thanks for listening.
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@annieb0188 I feel for you and hope you can work through this. If I could go back 20 years I’d focus on not “ awfulizing” situations. Usually things don’t turn out as bad as us anxious people project.
Going to work can help in many ways. I've always been told it would do so for me. But after applying and not getting a job because of not being given a chance I got even more down. Then I learned people at an older age (in their 50s) aren't given as much of a chance in being hired, But yesterday a nice surprise came for me. I'll be working as an independent contractor with NexRep next month. It will be at home so I won't have the benefit of socialism but at least it can help ease those financial worries and the depression they cause
Congrats!!
Or.....
Older workers are competent, experienced, and dependable. You go, girl! I mean ‘Congratulations’!
@mattie Are you saying that you're moving to be closer to your daughter, or are you moving to get away from her? Are you certain that you have no choice? I hope that whatever decision you make will be healthy for you, as you are the person you have to answer to, and self-care and self-advocacy are vital for us who are seniors.
Jim
I own her house and still paying so I have no choice but to move in. I am scared, but no other way
@mattie
That's a difficult situation to be in. Are you afraid of what your daughter might do? If you don't feel safe, you could consider giving a heads up to Adult protective services. If you're scared of physical danger, is there someone close by you can call in an emergency? It's important to have a safety net and a safety plan. Before I was released from the post suicide attempt facility, I was required to have both.
Please stay safe.
Jim
@isittll, Congratulations on your new position as an independent contractor. Hope it goes well for you and imagine the added income will come in handy.
Congratulations on your perseverance!
@helenfrances
It has certainly taken a lot of perseverance! I have never been given a chance in life for sure! I lived in a small town where everyone knew my own business and knew that I had seizures. I couldn't even get a volunteer job. When I had my only job I was fired after having a seizure. Twenty years ago I moved to the city. My past lack of work and not being given a chance now doesn't let prospective employers want to give me a chance. The heck with the work world. Jobs are mostly at home today so I thought do it!